Alliance Global, investor in Resorts World Manila in the Philippines’ Pasay City, has appointed Kevin Tan as its new chief executive officer. He will replace his father, Andrew Tan, who will remain as chairman of the board of directors, reported the Philippine Star.
“Kevin’s vast exposure and professional experience in the various companies under Alliance Global Group for almost two decades brings him to the pedestal of this new leadership role,” said the elder Tan, currently listed ninth on Forbes magazine’s “Philippines’ Richest 50 List” with a net worth ofUS$2.4 billion.
Kevin Tan previously served as executive director of the conglomerate, a role he held from September 2016 until his appointment as CEO. In that role he was in charge of the company’s external affairs and representing Alliance Global in public and private functions.
In addition to its involvement in Resorts World Manila, Alliance Global is involved in real estate, tourism and hospitality, food and beverage, quick service restaurants as well infrastructure, the Star reported.
In an April interview CNBC broadcast in April, the new CEO said the group “learned a lot” from the deadly attack by a gunman at Resorts World Manila in June last year. That man, described in news reports as a disgruntled gambler, set a fire that killed almost 40 people.
“We’ve improved our operations, we’ve improved our security, our surveillance, and I think we’re a much better operator today because of that,” Tan said.
He said competition is “intensifying” in the Philippine casino market but his firm is “quite confident because the tourism numbers have also increased.” He added that Phase III of Resorts World Manila this year will “double” the gaming capacity of the property.
“Next year we’re rebranding one of our original hotels to the Ritz-Carlton,” said Tan. “It’ll be the first time Ritz-Carlton ever has entered into the Philippines.”
Resorts World Manila is run by Travellers International Hotel Group Inc., a joint venture of Alliance Global and Genting Hong Kong.
